Quest for a Maid

My friend recommended this book because she loves it. I too enjoyed the book. It's a historical fiction which is my favorite genre. It's setting is Scotland during medieval times. Once I got past the difficulty of understanding the words that represented the local dialect, I was enthralled. This story has all the elements of adventure such as murder, witchcraft, near drownings, daring rescues, a shipwreck, sword fights, and even a love triangle. It also includes lovable and interesting characters as well as the timeless emotions and character traits that make these people seem real. I think one thing that makes this story interesting is that the villian is actually a person who is much loved by the heroine. Myself, I was glad to see this wayward character brought to justice in the end, but others might not see things so black and white. That of course is one reason why I would recommend it to others, to see the difference in opinions that makes life exciting. It is also why I will probably read it again someday and see if I do or do not have the same opinion. One thing that will help for the next time I read it is that I now know that the book comes with a glossary of words in the back, which could help with the understanding a little. For instance, who knew that kirk was the work for church? If nothing else, I've broadened my horizon as far as knowledge of other languages goes. Some day it could come in handy. In the meantime, it was a fun read.

Calico Bush

I just finished reading a great book called "Calico Bush" by Rachel Field. It is a colonization/pioneer story set on the coast of Maine. It was written for children, but I think it would make an excellent read for all ages. It's one of those books that had me interested from the first sentence and the action never seemed to lag. It includes adventures at sea, run-ins with Native Americans, a love story, heartache and happiness. The main character is a 13 year old girl whose courage during the rough times surpasses that of even grown men. There is folklore, poetry, ballads, and dancing. There are beautiful descriptions of the Maine coast, it's islands and all the things that grow on them. There are pioneer classics, like a Raising, a corn shelling, and a maypole dance. It has beautiful and detailed descriptions of different fabrics and how they played a role in the people's lives at the time. In short, it has everything for any age reader. I think I'll have to add this one to my list of books to buy.

1776

I finally finished reading 1776 by David McCullough. And the verdict is in.....I loved it! An interesting thing about me is that although I like to dress up in girly clothes, have long hair, wear make-up, etc. I am really a tomboy deep down, at least when it comes to things like outdoor activites, snakes and bugs, and war books or movies. I wouldn't say it's the blood, guts and gore that I enjoy about war, but more like the courage, endurance, and glory. 1776 had it all. In my literally journey of the American Revolution I have read in the past couple months: Sarah Bishop, The Hessian, My Brother Sam is Dead, and 1776. They were all good books, although when I read the first three I only had a small idea of the details surrounding the Revolution. In hindsight, I may have enjoyed the fiction stories more if I had read them after 1776.
I think what I enjoyed most about 1776 was the clear view it presented of George Washington and the trials that he faced during those first moments of the war. In the memories that I have retained from my previous education, I always had the impression that the Revolution went as follows: The British started the war, they were bigger and had more money, but the Continental Army beat them. I never even realized how long the war actually lasted and that things were actually really bad for the Patriots much of the time. I felt my heart bleeding with George Washington as he looked at the troops and how little they had for clothing and shelter. It seems appropriate that I would be reading this book in the winter, so that I could more fully understand how awful the winters must have been in a climate inclined to even lower temperatures than what we experience here in Virginia.
Another detail that I never really caught before were the seemingly small miscalculations that Washington made in the battle of Brooklyn and again at Fort Washington, that had very grave results. In no way, did this knowledge lessen my opinion of this most stalwart Commander-in-Chief, but rather made his predicament seem that much more real in my mind. As heart bled with the troops during the retreat through New Jersey, so did it rejoice with them at the battle of Trenton, when the great surprise attack on the Hessians made them surrender, thus turning the tide of the war.
I appreciate what the author has done for George Washington, the Continental Army and the great nation to which I belong by recording these events in an interesting, yet detailed account of the event that eventually led to the freedom that I know enjoy in my daily life. I look forward to reading his Pulitzer prize winner, "John Adams."